Compare the Israelites' response in Exodus 6:9 with their faith in Exodus 14.

◄ Contrast Exodus 6:9 and 14 faith. ►

Setting the Scene

God promised deliverance (Exodus 6:6–8). Moses carried that promise to the Israelites in slavery—and later led them out to the Red Sea. Two moments reveal the difference between despair and developing faith.

Exodus 6:9—Crushed Spirits, Deaf Ears

“Moses relayed this message to the Israelites, but on account of their broken spirit and cruel bondage, they did not listen to him.”

• Enslaved, exhausted, and beaten down, they couldn’t even hear hope.

• “Broken spirit” literally means “shortness of breath,” picturing people gasping under oppression.

• Their circumstances spoke louder than God’s promise—so they tuned Moses out.

Exodus 14—Fear Transformed into Faith

First reaction when the Egyptian army appeared:

“As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified and cried out to the LORD.” (Exodus 14:10)

• Terror and complaints (14:11-12) show faith still fragile.

Yet God parted the sea, Israel walked through, and the pursuing army drowned. Result:

“When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.” (Exodus 14:31)

• Fear of death shifted to reverent awe.

• For the first time the text says they “believed” both the LORD and Moses.

• Hebrews 11:29 later celebrates that crossing as an act of faith.

From Silence to Song: What Changed?

• Revelation repeated—God kept speaking (6:2-8; 14:13-18).

• Mighty deeds witnessed—plagues, Passover, parted sea (Psalm 106:8-12).

• Leadership reassured—Moses stood firm and encouraged them (14:13-14).

• Deliverance experienced—not theory, but personal rescue (Deuteronomy 4:34).

• Worship erupted—Exodus 15 immediately records their first corporate song.

Tracing the Growth of Trust

Progression in Exodus:

1. Promise heard (6:6-8) → no listening (6:9).